Gunung Raya

Gunung Raya, Langkawi Overview

Located at Jalan Air Hangat, Gunung Raya is the highest mountain in Langkawi with an altitude of 881 metres. The mountain peak is a granite formation and is located at the centre of Langkawi which provides an amazing panoramic view of the Island and the surrounding seas.

Gunung Raya is believed to be a cursed form of Mat Raya, a giant who once lived on the island. The D’Coconut Hill Resort at the top of the mountain houses an observation tower with the best of the views of the Andaman Sea, the mainland of Thailand and Langkawi at a cost of RM 10. A total of 4287 steps have to be climbed to reach the top.

Legend of Gunung Raya

It is believed by the natives of Langkawi that there were two giants, Mat Cincang and Mat Raya who were great friends and their children were deeply in love. During the wedding ceremony, Mat Raya observed Mat Cincang’s son looking at another woman and a fight was initiated between the two giants. They threw pans and pots at each other. The place where the broken pot fell came to be known as the village of Belanga Pecah (which means broken pot in Malay), the place where the hot water fell came to be known as Air Hangat (which means hot water), the place where the wedding ring was dropped came to be known as Tanjung Cincin (which means cape of the ring) and the place where the gravy fell came to be known as Kuah (which means gravy).

While the two giants were fighting, a third peaceful giant Mat Sawar tried to control them and settle the matter when a thunderbolt struck and froze all the three giants as mountains. Mat Gunung and Mat Cincang are the two mountains and Bakit Sawar stands between the two as if trying to separate them.

Highlight and Attractions

The different species which can be spotted at Gunung Raya include flying fox, flying squirrels, leaf monkeys, mountain hawk eagles, white-bellied sea eagles, hornbills and macaque monkeys.
The peak also has a MEASAT Satellite Control Tower, a park and a museum.
The main highlight of the place is the splendid view that a visitor can witness from the eight-store tall observation tower.
The mountain is also famous for jungle trekking for which a nature tour is also available.

Gunung Raya Langkawi — Stunning view from Gunung Raya Mountain (Source)

How to Reach Gunung Raya

One can reach the peak of Gunung Raya in two ways, drive or trek.

Drive: Gunung Raya is a 13-kilometre distance and takes 25 – 30 minutes drive from Pantai Cenang or Kuah which costs approximately RM 70. From Langkawi International Airport, it is less than an hour’s drive to Gunung Raya. There are several lookout points on the way and you can also get wonderful views while driving owing to the presence of forests on both sides of the road. A taxi is also easily available.

Trek: A cemented staircase leads up from the southwest about a kilometre north of Mardi Agro Technology Park. There is a 3-kilometre trek known as the Tangga Helang Seribu Kenangan (thousand memories eagle steps) which includes a total of 4287 steps. There are different tour operators who offer this nature tour. The timings of the tour are apt to make the visitor spot a good number of wildlife species.